Château Margaux - Margaux 1995

Wein Wisser

19 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe2/6/2008

Erstaunlich hell, mittleres Granat. Zurüchaltendes Bouquet, zu Beginn gar reduktiv, dann aber richtig losloegend, auf den ersten Eindruck mit toskanischer Sangiovese-Affinität, dann rote Kirschen und Himbeeren zeigend, dabei immer süsser und auch fülliger werdend, viel Facetten mit einem berauschenen, verspielten Parfüm entwickelnd. Im Gaumen tänzerisch, superb balanciert, frisch, feinr Reserven, seidige, stoffige Tannine, extrem langes Finale, ein Musigny-Margaux, erstmals Spass machend, eine Stunde dekantieren.

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/21/2005

« Le 1995 s’est encore étoffé et s’impose comme l’un des plus grands classiques de l’ère Mentzelopoulos (le propriétaire à l’époque). Opaque et rubis-pourpre de robe, il dégage au nez des arômes de réglisse, de chene neuf doux et fumé, méles de notes de fruits noirs confiturés, de réglisse et de minéral. Moyennement corsé, il est extraordinaire de richesse et fabuleux d’équilibre, avec une finale généreusement tannique. Malgrè son ampleur et sa jeunesse, il est accessible et stupéfiant. Il sera toujours plus souple et plus épanoui que le 1996, plus ample de carrure. Suivre l’évolution de ces deux vins ces 50 prochaines années sera une expérience des plus fascinantes ! A boire entre 2010 et 2040. »

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/1/1998

The 1995 has fleshed out, developed more intensity, in addition to some stunning aromatics since I tasted it last spring. It appears to be a sensational Chateau Margaux that should take its place alongside some of the great wines produced at this estate under the Mentzelopoulos regime. Will this vintage ultimately rival the 1990, 1986, 1983, or 1982? I doubt it, but this majestic wine is not far off the mark of those classics. The wine's opaque purple color is followed by a fabulously sweet nose of black fruits, licorice, smoke, and the alluring floral scents that are so typical of Chateau Margaux. There is admirable flavor intensity and presence on the palate, as well as layers of black fruits, full body, and well-integrated toasty oak, acidity, and tannin. In comparison with other great vintages, it is not as creamy-textured and flattering as the 1990, but neither is it as backward and tannic as the 1986. Given the fact that it has developed so spectacularly in cask, this should be a Chateau Margaux to drink between 2005-2025. Last tasted 1/97 Guide Parker

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

94 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe6/30/1998

Excellent deep ruby color. Very complex aromas of blackcurrant, wild plum, violets, minerals, tar and smoky oak. Dense and supple, with great sweetness of fruit. Doesn't have quite the sheer power of the '96, but the flavors build and build. Substantial tannins are chewier than those of the '96 but hit the palate later. 1986 was the vintage with the highest level of polyphenols ever recorded at this estate, but '95 was the runner-up, according to Pontallier. Because this big, tannic wine needed longer barrel aging, it was bottled later than normal, in November of '97. 94(+?)

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

Bottled very late (November, 1997), the 1995 has continued to flesh out, developing into one of the great classics made under the Mentzelopoulos regime. The color is opaque ruby/purple. The nose offers aromas of licorice and sweet smoky new oak intermixed with jammy black fruits, licorice, and minerals. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with extraordinary richness, fabulous equilibrium, and hefty tannin in the finish. In spite of its large size and youthfulness, this wine is user-friendly and accessible. This is a thrilling Margaux that will always be softer and more evolved than its broader-shouldered sibling, the 1996. How fascinating it will be to follow the evolution of both of these vintages over the next half century. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2040.

Wine Spectator

100 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1998

Wine of the vintage and the greatest Château Margaux ever produced. A stunning red. The essence of raspberry, violet and berry, with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. Full-bodied and thick, yet racy, with masses of tannins and a harmonious structure. Long, long finish. Best after 2005.

Wine Advocate

93-96 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/1/1997

Since 1978 there have been only two first-growths (or two of the so-called "big eight" of Bordeaux) that have been consistently excellent to superb - Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau Margaux. Margaux's admirable consistency is well-displayed in the 1993-95 wines. The 1995 has fleshed out, developed more intensity, in addition to some stunning aromatics since I tasted it last spring. It appears to be a sensational Chateau Margaux that should take its place alongside some of the great wines produced at this estate under the Mentzelopoulos regime. Will this vintage ultimately rival the 1990, 1986, 1983, or 1982? I doubt it, but this majestic wine is not far off the mark of those classics. The wine's opaque purple color is followed by a fabulously sweet nose of black fruits, licorice, smoke, and the alluring floral scents that are so typical of Chateau Margaux. There is admirable flavor intensity and presence on the palate, as well as layers of black fruits, full body, and well-integrated toasty oak, acidity, and tannin. In comparison with other great vintages, it is not as creamy-textured and flattering as the 1990, but neither is it as backward and tannic as the 1986. Given the fact that it has developed so spectacularly in cask, this should be a Chateau Margaux to drink between 2005-2025.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/1/1996

At Chateau Margaux, July and August, 1995, were the driest in over 40 years, but the weather was not as hot as in 1989 and 1990. The Merlot, which was harvested in mid-September, came in at a whopping 13.5-14% natural alcohol. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested between September 27 and October 3. According to Margaux's manager, Paul Pontallier, it was far riper and richer than in 1994. The 1995 Chateau Margaux displays an attractive dark purple color, and a sweet, jammy nose of black-cherries, cassis, and a whiff of blueberries. Rich, powerful, and dense, as well as surprisingly supple in the attack, this low acid wine seduces the taster before some heavy duty tannin makes its presence known in the finish. The official analysis indicates this is the most tannic Chateau Margaux since 1986. Overall, the wine reminds me of the 1985 vintage, but with more grip. I suspect it will be forward when released, but it will easily keep for two decades. All of the wines in this segment were tasted between March 19 and March 28 in Bordeaux. Most of the important wines from both the 1994 and 1995 vintages were tasted three separate times during my ten-day stay in Bordeaux.